Redesign of Kurojyoka

Drinkware for MATHERuBA

This is a redesign of the kurojyoka, a traditional Kagoshima shochu ceramic teapot, to fit modern lifestyles. The traditional Kurojyoka was formed based on the Japanese hearth heating system, and its shape has remained the same despite changing lifestyles. This project is a continuation of Kagoshima's shochu culture and traditional craftsmanship by modifying this aspect and updating the kurojyoka to fit modern lifestyles.

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Redesign of Kurojyoka by Yuki Ijichi

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Drinkware by Yuki Ijichi

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Yuki Ijichi Redesign of Kurojyoka

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Yuki Ijichi Drinkware

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Unique Properties

This is a redesign of the Kurojyoka, a traditional Kagoshima ceramic earthenware teapot for shochu, to fit modern lifestyles. The traditional Kurojyoka was shaped based on heating in a Japanese hearth, and the Satsuma ware craftsmen did not revise the Kurojyoka to fit their changing lifestyles, but this project is characterized by its sublimation into a modern Kurojyoka by revising this aspect of the project. The fact that the shape has been modified for the modern age.

Tags

Product Design, Redesign, Tableware, Sakeware, Kurojoka, Kurojoka6442, Satsuma ware, Earthenware shochu teapot

Production Technology

The redesigned Kurojyoka has a mass produced design so that it can be used as a modern earthenware teapot for shochu and as an everyday household item for enjoying shochu. It is made using casting molding, a technique for mass producing ceramics, in which muddy ceramic clay is poured into a plaster mold. The material is porcelain, which is durable and can be used for commercial purposes. The glaze uses shirasu from the Shirasu Plateau, a characteristic of Kagoshima's soil, with the aim of it becoming an everyday household item made from local materials.

Design Challenge

In redesigning the Kurojyoka, we tried to make it a mass production type for easy general use, but there was a difficulty in that Kagoshima does not have mass production technology. Therefore, we asked a Nagasaki potter with mass production technology to manufacture the product, but used Kagoshima materials for the glaze, thereby creating a Kurojyoka with elements of the production area.

Project Duration

The project began in Kagoshima in February 2018 and ended in November 2019 and has been sold.

Inspiration

The project began with a request from MATHERuBA, which operates a cafe and store in Kagoshima, to redesign the Kurojyoka, a traditional Kagoshima porcelain earthenware teapot for shochu, to suit modern lifestyles and create an original product. We therefore researched the origin of the shape of Kurojyoka for shochu traditionally used in Kagoshima, and found design inspiration in the abacus shape described in literature, which we redesigned into a shape that fits today's lifestyle.

Image Credits

Image #1 : Photographer Masahiko Kukiyama Image #2 : Photographer Masahiko Kukiyama Image #3 : Photographer Masahiko Kukiyama Image #4 : Photographer Masahiko Kukiyama Image #5 : Photographer Masahiko Kukiyama

Project Overview

Redesign of Kurojyoka Drinkware has been a Golden winner in the Bakeware, Tableware, Drinkware and Cookware Design award category in the year 2024 organized by the prestigious A' Design Award & Competition. The Gold A' Design Award is granted to designs that demonstrate a high level of innovation and a significant impact on their intended audience. Recognized as a major achievement by the A' Design Awards, these designs are characterized by their visionary approach and the exceptional skill of their creators. Winners of the Gold A' Design Award are noted for their ability to push the envelope in art, science, design, and technology, delivering solutions that not only meet but exceed expectations. These designs serve as benchmarks for excellence, encouraging further innovation and inspiring future generations of designers.

Golden Recognition

Yuki Ijichi was recognized with the coveted Golden A' Design Award in 2025, a testament to excellence of their work Redesign of Kurojyoka Drinkware.

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